kids encyclopedia robot

Tabulam facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Tabulam
New South Wales
Tabulam PO 2010.jpg
Tabulam Post Office, Court Street
Tabulam is located in New South Wales
Tabulam
Tabulam
Location in New South Wales
Population 470 (2016 census)
Postcode(s) 2469
Elevation 130 m (427 ft)
LGA(s) Kyogle Council/Tenterfield Shire
County Drake
Parish Tabulam
State electorate(s) Lismore
Federal Division(s)

Tabulam is a small village located in the far north-east of New South Wales, Australia. It is about 800 kilometers from Sydney, the state capital. Tabulam sits on the Bruxner Highway and right by the Clarence River.

In 2016, about 470 people called Tabulam home. The main part of the village is managed by Kyogle Council. The area of Tabulam west of the Clarence River is part of Tenterfield Shire.

What's in a Name?

The name Tabulam comes from the word Dahbalam. This word is from the Bundjalung language, spoken by the local Aboriginal people.

Exploring Tabulam's Past

Originally, the land where Tabulam now stands was home to the Bundjalung people. Many Bundjalung people still live in the town and nearby areas today.

Early European Settlement

European settlement began in 1840. Two men, Peter Cunningham Pagan and William Tucker Evans, chose this spot for a sheep station. This led to the Bundjalung people being moved from their traditional lands.

There was a period of conflict between the new settlers and the local Bundjalung people. In 1841, a warrior from the Wahlabul Tribe killed Peter Pagan. This event led to a series of actions against the Bundjalung clans. Henry Oakes, a government official, led these actions. With his police and volunteers, he carried out expeditions. These resulted in the deaths of at least 15 Bundjalung people. Several Aboriginal campsites were also destroyed. During these raids, six children were taken.

Living Together

Conflict in the upper Clarence River area continued for some time. However, around Tabulam, things became more peaceful after 1848. The Chauvel family arrived and lived in harmony with the Wahlabul people.

A special friendship grew between Harry Chauvel and Harry Mundine. Mundine was a future King of the Wahlabul tribe. He taught the Chauvel boys to respect the land and its creatures. He also showed them how to travel safely through the rugged countryside. Harry Chauvel and his siblings learned the Wahlabul language. They became excellent horsemen thanks to Mundine's guidance.

Famous Birthplace

Tabulam is the birthplace of Lieutenant General Sir Harry Chauvel. He was born here in 1865. Sir Harry Chauvel became a very important leader in the Australian Light Horse during World War I.

World War II Defenses

During World War II, special barriers called tank traps were built near Paddys Flat. These were designed to stop enemy tanks if they ever attacked. More of these tank traps became visible after the Clarence River flooded in 2011.

Tabulam's Weather

Climate data for Tabulam (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1970–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 39.8
(103.6)
39.7
(103.5)
37.3
(99.1)
31.1
(88.0)
28.4
(83.1)
25.3
(77.5)
24.2
(75.6)
32.2
(90.0)
34.9
(94.8)
37.0
(98.6)
39.2
(102.6)
38.3
(100.9)
39.8
(103.6)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 27.8
(82.0)
26.5
(79.7)
25.0
(77.0)
22.5
(72.5)
19.4
(66.9)
16.9
(62.4)
16.9
(62.4)
18.8
(65.8)
22.3
(72.1)
24.4
(75.9)
26.1
(79.0)
27.2
(81.0)
22.8
(73.0)
Daily mean °C (°F) 22.6
(72.7)
21.9
(71.4)
20.5
(68.9)
18.0
(64.4)
15.1
(59.2)
12.7
(54.9)
12.3
(54.1)
13.6
(56.5)
16.6
(61.9)
18.6
(65.5)
20.4
(68.7)
21.7
(71.1)
17.8
(64.0)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 17.4
(63.3)
17.2
(63.0)
16.0
(60.8)
13.6
(56.5)
10.8
(51.4)
8.5
(47.3)
7.6
(45.7)
8.3
(46.9)
10.9
(51.6)
12.8
(55.0)
14.7
(58.5)
16.3
(61.3)
12.8
(55.0)
Record low °C (°F) 11.6
(52.9)
10.4
(50.7)
8.6
(47.5)
5.2
(41.4)
1.4
(34.5)
0.2
(32.4)
0.0
(32.0)
0.0
(32.0)
2.3
(36.1)
3.5
(38.3)
5.5
(41.9)
6.8
(44.2)
0.0
(32.0)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 178.4
(7.02)
179.6
(7.07)
156.5
(6.16)
69.7
(2.74)
82.7
(3.26)
63.7
(2.51)
34.5
(1.36)
40.5
(1.59)
34.6
(1.36)
93.8
(3.69)
114.8
(4.52)
146.2
(5.76)
1,194.9
(47.04)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1 mm) 12.6 13.2 13.7 9.1 7.9 7.0 5.5 4.5 5.2 8.5 9.8 11.9 108.9
Average dew point °C (°F) 17.7
(63.9)
17.8
(64.0)
16.6
(61.9)
14.0
(57.2)
10.6
(51.1)
8.3
(46.9)
6.7
(44.1)
6.7
(44.1)
9.5
(49.1)
12.1
(53.8)
14.4
(57.9)
16.2
(61.2)
12.6
(54.7)
Source 1: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Source 2: Bureau of Meteorology

Culture and Community

Tabulam has a large Indigenous population. There are several Indigenous villages nearby. The main one is Jubullum Village. It is home to the Tabulum Turtle Divers rugby team.

Jubullum Village is located on the Rocky River. About 130-150 people live there. Local cultural leaders and artists are part of this community. A team of locals helps keep the lawns and houses tidy.

Fun Things to Do

Tabulam offers many fun activities for visitors and locals.

Tabulam Golf Course

The Tabulam Golf Course is located near the Clarence River. It is a 9-hole course set in the bushland. Volunteers help keep the course in good shape. Everyone is welcome to come and play.

Community Events

The Tabulam CWA Branch (Country Women's Association) is very active. They help with many community events throughout the year.

Local Markets and Festivals

Local Markets are held in Tabulam on the second Sunday of each month. You can find stalls with local products and fresh produce. There is also an "open mic" for music.

The September Market often turns into the Blueberry Festival. This festival was first held in May 2017. During the year, special themed markets offer free fun for children. These can include jumping castles and puppet shows.

Tabulam Races

Tabulam hosts an annual Spring Racing Carnival. This event happens every year on the Saturday of the October long weekend. The Tabulam Jockey Club manages the racecourse.

The races are held at the local racetrack. It is about 1 kilometer south of the town. The track is right on the bank of the Clarence River. The carnival features five races. The main race is the Tabulam Cup, which is 2220 meters long.

Nature Adventures

You can enjoy many nature activities in Tabulam. These include white-water rafting, camping, fishing, and bushwalking.

A local company offers guided river adventures. You can choose a weekend trip or a single-day adventure. With a guide, you might even spot a platypus or a wedge-tailed eagle.

kids search engine
Tabulam Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.